Podesta Won't Take Job In Obama White House

Speculation surrounding a possible spot for John Podesta in the White House reached such a pitch that the Center for American Progress president and CEO sent an e-mail to CAP staffers today putting the rumor to bed.

"I am honored to have been asked to help organize the President-elect’s transition to a new government," he writes. "For this purpose, I am taking a temporary leave of absence during the transition period. As I have advised Senator Obama and the Boards of CAP and CAPAF, I will not be joining the new Administration and will return to American Progress after the transition ends."

Podesta served as President Clinton's chief of staff from October 1998 until the end of his term.